Tag Archive for: cat holiday

The Best Holiday Gifts for Cats

 

Getting the perfect gift for the fuzzy feline in your life can be a challenge! These gift ideas are sure to please and keep your kitty content this holiday season.

Toys 

  • For the playful cat, toys can make a great gift. There are many types of toys available, so you can find the perfect one for your cat!
  • Does your cat like to chase things? Check out the traditional feather wand or the automated “Teaser” cat toys. Feeling crafty? Try making your own stick toy by tying a string onto a clump of feathers and glueing this onto a small dowel.
  • Does your cat like catnip? Try making your own catnip toy by filling a sock with catnip then using a rubber band or string to tie it closed.

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Furniture

  • Cat trees are always a good gift. Cats love to get up high and check out their home. Cat trees come in many variations. I would recommend shorter cat trees for older cats and taller ones for younger or agiler cats. If your cat likes to scratch check out cat trees with scratching post bases.
  • Cat beds are a great gift for the sleepy cat in your life. Try and pick a soft bed, that is easy to wash and place it in your cat’s favorite spot. Many cats love sleeping in the sun, so place the bed by a window.
  • Scratching posts are great to minimize scratching and keep your cat healthy. Cats scratch to mark their scent and to file their nails down. Scratching posts range from very simple to very fancy. Simple cardboard scratching pads can be found at most pet stores. Some of the fancier scratching posts have twine that can be replaced when it is worn down.

Treats 

  • Cat treats can be a great present for your cat this holiday season. Check out our previous blog posts for cat treat recipes. A slight change in diet can also make a good gift. Try adding a can of wet food or a different type of pet food. Most cats love wet food, so this is a special gift for the holidays.

Cats can be difficult to understand, but choosing a gift for them can be easy. These gifts will help make this holiday season special for your cat! Let us know what presents your cat likes this holiday season on our Facebook page.

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How Do I Make My Cat Comfortable with Guests Over for Thanksgiving?

 

Every cat has a different purr-sonality. Some cats love new people, others take a bit longer to warm up to new people. Thanksgiving dinner can be a stressful time for both kinds of cats. Most cats do not like crowds of people or the loud noises associated with Thanksgiving. So how can you make your cat comfortable over Thanksgiving?

1. Provide a safe space

Almost all cats will choose flight over fight, especially when confronted with new people. Do not try and force your cat to hang out in the living room. Open all the doors to your cat’s favorite hiding spots and provide your cat with many different options for hiding areas, such as under beds, in closets, or in a cat tree. Make sure to keep your cat’s space quiet and off-limits to guests. This will help keep your cat happy and prevent any conflict between your cat and your guests. Make sure to move your cat’s food, water, and litter box into a safe space so that your cat does not need to leave the room if he or she does not want to.

2. Give your cat look-out zones

Create a “stairway” up to a high shelf or provide a cat tree. This allows your cat to survey the room without being in the middle of it. Your cat will be able to evaluate the situation and decide if he or she feels comfortable. This will let him or her choose when to join the party. Try placing a towel on a shelf or in a cat tree so your kitty has somewhere comfortable to lay.

3. Tell your guests how to interact with your cat

Not everyone knows how to interact with cats. As your guests enter the house, tell them that your cat may be a little shy. Recommend that they do not approach your cat, or try to pet him or her. Cornering a scared kitty can result in your guests getting scratched. Always have your guests wait for the cat to approach them, then they can pet your kitty. Try having guests give your kitty a favorite treat when he or she comes to say hi. Keep a special eye on kids, as they may not know how to pet cats.

4. Provide calming scents 

Catnip can be very effective at calming cats. Catnip mimics the smell of the pheromone cats have in their face and paws. This scent can help make your cat feel more comfortable during Thanksgiving dinner. There are many sprays and diffusers on the market that have cat calming scents. Try spraying these on your cat’s bed and around the house to help calm him or her down.

 

The key to having a happy cat this Thanksgiving is by allowing your cat to choose where he or she wants to be. Never force your cat to interact with a guest or hang out in high traffic areas. Giving your cat lots of areas to hang out in can help reduce the stress of Thanksgiving dinner. Want to really have a happy cat? Check out our last blog post on Thanksgiving treats for your cat.